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Alistair Brown1
Search and Discovery Article #40397 (2009)
Posted March 26, 2009
*Adapted from oral presentation at AAPG International Conference and Exhibition, Cape Town, South Africa, October 26-29, 2008
1
Abstract
Zero phase is the objective of almost all seismic data processing today and its interpretive benefits are well known, however it is
difficult to achieve. No more than 50% of seismic data achieves zero phase sufficiently closely for its benefits and accuracy to be
properly enjoyed. Furthermore, 90 degree phase is a remarkably common accident and, if not identified, can cause havoc to detailed
interpretation.
All interpreters should know how to visually assess the phase and polarity of their data. I regularly meet those who discover late in the
interpretation that the data has a different phase or opposite polarity to what was first thought. In this paper recommendations for
phase and polarity assessment will be made, and several phase circles will be presented. For zero phase data time and amplitude are
co-located, and many interpretive procedures on modern workstations are based on this fact. For other phases complications arise,
because time and amplitude are in different locations. Suggestions will be offered for handling the all-too-common 90 degree phase
data.
Copyright AAPG. Serial rights given by author. For all other rights contact author directly.
NATURAL PAIRING
GULF OF MEXICO
GAS SAND
ZERO PHASE
2008 Alistair Brown
ZERO PHASE
BASEMENT
TOP OF
BASEMENT
INCREASE IN IMPEDANCE
IS
INCREASE IN IMPEDANCE
IS
RED
EUROPEAN
POLARITY
BLUE
AMERICAN
POLARITY
900
P
0
60
H
A
S 300
E
00
2008 Alistair Brown
ZERO PHASE
900 PHASE
P
H
A
S
E
A
N
D
P
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A
R
I
T
Y
A
S
S
E
S
S
M
E
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T
O
P
P
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INTERPRETIVE ASSESSMENT OF
PHASE AND POLARITY
GULF OF MEXICO
ZERO PHASE
EUROPEAN POLARITY
SALT
2008 Alistair Brown
PHASE = +900
PHASE = +900
PHASE = -900
2008
Alistair Brown
ZERO PHASE
AMERICAN POLARITY
2008 Alistair Brown
PHASE +900
2008 Alistair Brown